Safety tips for teenagers behind the wheel

Sunday

Oct 16, 2011 at 12:23 AM

BOB BERES

Last week, I was speaking to a group of teenagers in a driver’s education class and I asked them a question. I said, “What’s your biggest fear about driving?” A few hands went up and it seemed like they all had the same answer, “Parallel parking, sir.” I have never known anyone to lose their life parallel parking, but that is a fear of some new drivers. We talked about some of the dangers that we all need to be aware of and how everyone of us can be better drivers.

Driving is not like a video game and we don’t get to hit the “Restart” button after something happens that we don’t like. There are penalties, fines and sometimes life-altering consequences that we may face for the decisions we make while behind the wheel. Here are some safety tips for teens:

Wear your seat belt

Make sure you know the importance of seat belts. You are six times more likely to die in a collision by not being buckled up. Seat belt use significantly reduces the chance of a serious injury or fatality.

Don’t drink and drive

It is illegal and highly dangerous for anyone to drive after drinking or using any other drug. No excuses. It is illegal in South Carolina for anyone under age 21 to drink alcohol, much less drink and drive. A DUI will stay on your driving record forever.

Slow down

Speeding will get you nowhere, fast. The chances of you being involved in a collision increase the faster you go. For example, when it rains the road becomes slicker. Also, visibility decreases and you need more time to stop-so leave more space between your car and other vehicles. Also, you should turn on your car’s headlights in inclement weather.

Avoid distractions

While learning to drive, pay full attention to the roadway. Your responsibility is to operate the vehicle safely. Distractions like the radio, cell phones, and passengers take your attention away from the road. Remember — increasing distractions increases the risk of a crash.

Use caution in intersections

After a traffic light has turned green, or you are pulling away from a stop sign, remember to look left, right, and left again before proceeding. No one should assume that other traffic will stop for a red light or stop sign. Proceed with caution when entering an intersection.

Don’t drive when sleepy

Teenagers don’t often get enough sleep. If you find yourself becoming sleepy while driving, pull over at a safe place and get out and walk around. Another solution is to reschedule the trip for another time to reduce risk of drowsy driving; especially if it’s a long trip.

Use turn signals

Remember to signal when you change lanes or turn.

Don’t tailgate

Leave plenty of space between yourself and the vehicle ahead. You should be able to see the rear tires of the car in front in slow traffic situations.

Be courteous. Be courteous by letting motorists entering the roadway merge in front of you. When a driver ahead puts on a turn signal, slow down and let him over. Courtesy on the road goes a long way to making life more enjoyable for everyone.

Move over

South Carolina law requires motorists to approach cautiously when an emergency vehicle is stopped on the shoulder of the roadway with its emergency lights flashing. Motorists are required to change lanes away from the emergency vehicle on a multi-lane highway, or slow down on a two-lane highway. You must slow down while maintaining a safe speed.